Reviews:

Guest: Me alegra que te guste. Hay gente que lo odia y otros lo quieren. Me alegra tener diferentes opinions sobre el.

Tigracho: Oh, yeah. Deathflags all around. But then again, right now a good amount of them have them lol. Yeah, he's like their ancestor. Well, his sister is, since when the kingdom fell, she went to marry a Chinese prince and start a new life. Lol yeah big smooth brain moment for Hajime there. But it can be interpreted as him just freaking out so much he just forgot to call anyone. Ah, I'm glad Bragard has that effect on you. I was a little concerned that he wasn't that compelling of a villain since he's been in the backseat for a while, but he's finally taking control of things so we'll see what happens.

lordri25may2001: Yeah, that's true. It's ironic. But you could say that since this happened centuries ago, over time they changed their story and the bloodline became purely Chinese as time went by. By their origins are not. But it's not like anyone knew that. At least, the modern Liangs did not. I try to make some of their deaths ironic or it just happens by accident. So far they've been intentionally ironic, though. But it might not work out the same way for others. We'll see. Yeah, I think a tiny Jades is perfect for his alternate version. He would be constantly arguing with Maria since they wouldn't get along, and Terunosuke and Serena would try to get them to get along to no avail.

Tenzalucard123: Rest in peace, Damian. RIP. He fought to the end for the people he loved and his son. Now it's up to Chao-Xing to fight Bragard until help arrives.

Chapter 70
Liang Pride

Chao-Xing screamed, shooting several thunderbolts at Bragard, who leaped around the street to avoid them. Since they were in the Mirror World, she didn't have to worry about collateral damage, so she could go as crazy as she wanted. And crazy she did.

She began zig-zagging around the battlefield, leaving a trace of thunder behind as she chased Bragard. He swung his blade, forcing her to duck and skid on her knees behind him, going for a roundhouse kick. The kick stopped a few inches from him, and she was shot across the street by his gravity. She began doing backflips to gain some distance, swapping her hands and shooting two slashes of lightning, which Bragard blocked with his Slashdagger. He slashed the air, sending his own slash of azure fire.

Chao gasped, leaping in the air to avoid the fast attack. She arched her back, black lightning cracking through her body before she unleashed it in one attack.

Several wolves made of lightning erupted from her hands, dashing toward Bragard.

Accel Infinity

Bragard leveled his left arm, forming a gravity wall around him. However, the wolves turned into thunderbolts, flying around everywhere and surrounding Bragard."Hmmm?"

Accel Vent

His speed increased, and he started dashing around the street, hearing a thunderclap behind him. Chao-Xing was chasing behind him, no doubt frustrated she was too slow to catch up to him. With a smirk, Alternative circled around and smacked her in the face with a backhand, causing her to stumble backward. He then spun around on his heels a few times before delivering a devastating kick to Chao's side, launching her into a building. She crashed on top of a receptionist's desk, wincing in pain.

"Too early to be falling asleep, don't you think?" Bragard entered through the hole, dragging his sword.

"Tch!" Chao-Xing shook her head, composing herself before igniting her boosters, going for a kick that Bragard easily avoided. She began running around the walls, shooting thunderbolts in quick succession.

"Are you even trying to hit me?" Bragard arched a brow, confused as to why the attacks kept avoiding him. But then it hit him. The thunderbolts had formed a dome around him, trapping him inside.

Royal Scandal

Chao crossed her arms, commanding the thunderbolts to close in on Bragard.

Gravity Vent

A barrier of gravity stopped the attacks, bouncing them back.

"Damn it!" Chao sparked three bolts of lightning, forming a javelin before hurling it at Bragard.

"Hah!" Bragard grabbed the javelin in midair, tossing it back. She narrowly avoided being stabbed, the attack grazing her cheek and cutting through her skin. He stomped on the ground, creating several pillars of dark matter that launched Chao through the ceiling. He drew a card, scanning it through his Deck.

Advent: Psycho-Rogue

Psycho-Rogue appeared in front of Bragard, shifting its gaze to the hole and sending missiles in Chao-Xing's way.

She growled, cladding herself with thunder to increase her speed, and jumped from missile to missile back down.

Psycho-Rogue swung its arm, swatting Chao-Xing into a wall and back onto the street.

The girl groaned, picking herself up from the floor when she felt someone grab her hair, pulling her up."Gah!"

"Shhh..." Bragard slammed his fist against her back, earning a pained yell."Easy, girl. Easy. This will only hurt temporarily."

Another fist slammed against her spine, causing her to spit out blood. She tried shooting a thunderbolt, but Bragard grabbed her normal arm and twisted it, prompting another yell.

"Oh, come now, Chao. This pain is nothing compared to what your precious family endured." He learned closer to her ear."And spoiler alert: The agony has just begun."

With a kick to her back, the girl was sent face-first against a wall, breaking through it.

"Chao!" Huan cried for his daughter.

Chao-Xing sat up, blood spilling to the ground. She wiped her face, realizing she was covered in her own blood with shards of rocks in her face.

"I...I haven't lost yet!" Chao raised her fists, growling."I will not back down! Not until I make you pay for their deaths!"

"Oh, please." Alternative chuckled in a carefree manner, raising his arm."Attract."

She gasped as her feet left the ground and she was proppeled to Bragard. He slammed his fist into her gut, knocking the wind out of her. He set her on the ground, watching her stagger back a few feet before dropping to her knees, and holding her stomach.

He rose his blade, prepared to finish the job. However, she fired a thunderbolt at his face, obscuring his view due to the smoke. She ignited her boosters, delivering a kick to his stomach and launching across several buildings.

Stardust Meteor Shower

She began to fire countless black thunderbolts at Bragard, screaming as she unleashed her full power. She clasped her hands together, focusing her Phonic Gain into a giant thunderbolt and with a thunderclap, hurled at Bragard, creating a huge explosion.

The hostages fell on the floor, afraid the explosion was going to reach them.

"Ha..." Chao-Xing panted, running low on energy after her constant use of big attacks."That...had to do something..."

"Not bad. For a disgusting human."

Her eyes shot wide open when she saw Alternative walk out of the smoke, unharmed."Very good indeed. It's a shame you're the type to not submit when asked. Otherwise, I'd ask you to join me."

"How...? Your gravity...I could have sworn it had a cooldown..."

"Oh, it does. You figured it out." Alternative mused."But I have my ways. Now, why don't you try your best to attack? You could sing your Swan Song. That may be enough to kill me."

"Damn you...DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU!" Chao-Xing grew desperate, the ground beneath her cracking as black lightning cracked through the area. She aimed her index finger at Bragard, focusing all the lightning into her fingertips, creating a black ball of condensed lightning."DIE!"

Hollow Moon

She fired her attack and instantly was bounced off right back, destroying her bionic arm upon contact. The attack destroyed several buildings behind her until it exploded a few blocks away."No..."

"Seriously, I wasn't expecting you to lose your composure like that." Bragard mused, leaning on his huge blade."But then again, I suppose we all have sides we rather not show people. Huh?"

Chao-Xing took a small step back, her eyes wide in horror as she stared down at her once functional bionic arm. Her mind flashed back to when she was a child, witnessing the monster in front of her murder her mother in cold blood.'Why...? Things were supposed to be different...I...I can fight back now...'

"What are you so worked up about?" Alternative asked before the light bulb in his head lit up."Oh, I get it now. I stole your thunder, didn't I? That move was your strongest attack and I just blocked it! Hahaha! Pitiful human. Not going to use your Swan Song because you're afraid you'll die? Pathetic. So, that's it, huh? I thought you'd last a bit more. But then again...My dear Chao, I must apologize."

"Apologize...?"

"Earlier I called you a main course. I was mistaken."

He suddenly appeared in front of her, kneeing her in the stomach before grabbing her face, forcing her to stare at him."You're just a side appetizer. Not worth calling a main course. It saddens me because I don't have much hope in the Boy Wonder if this is the best you got."

He then threw her into the sky, creating an arm of dark matter and smacking her toward the ground, leaving a crater. He aimed the tip of his sword in her direction, spewing azure flames. She jumped to her feet, narrowly avoiding the attack but her arm and leg were burnt in the process, leaving her skin completely red. To add insult to injury, Bragard repelled her, launching her into a car and breaking the windshield.

Chao lay there, gasping for air and covered in wounds.

"Chao! Chao!" Huan screamed in fear.

"No..." Wei fell on his rear, tears glistening in his eyes.

Kyoko adverted her gaze, clenching her fists in impotence.

"Chao-nee-chan..." Setsuna muttered.

"Well, Chao? Are you going to surrender?" Alternative asked, glancing up toward the cage."Though if you do, I'll just kill them right now. A loser deserves punishment, after all. And although you won't live to see them die, the Boy Wonder will."

"Y-you..." Chao-Xing stumbled out of the car, falling on the ground and leaving a trail of blood behind. She used the car to support herself, getting back to her feet and spitting blood on the ground.

"Oh? Still wanting to fight?" Alternative mused, astonished at her perseverance.

"I...I am Chao-Xing Haruka Liang...Former heiress to the Liang Clan...Member of S.O.N.G and Symphogear of the Mjolnir Relic..." She rose her head, giving him a bloody smirk."I will not...surrender. Nor break my promises. I swore I would protect...our family. No matter what...I will not stand aside like before...I will fight to the end...For the honor of those who...died..."

"Impressive." Alternative muttered.

"Get him..." Wei grabbed the bars."GET HIM, SISTER!"

"You can do it, Chao-nee-chan!" Setsuna cheered.

Both adults stood frozen, praying in silence for the young girl's success.

"I will not be beaten...I CANNOT BE BEATEN!" Chao-Xing's fists sparked with lightning, charging once again at Bragard."AND YOU CAN GO STRAIGHT TO HELL!"

"Miserable fool."

"Huh?"

Suddenly, black spikes emerged from the ground, impaling Chao-Xing's arm and feet, lifting her in the air before they disappeared, her body falling limp on the ground as blood pooled around her. Her eyes were wide in shock, her body twitching as her Ignite form fizzled out, reverting to her regular Symphogear form.

"N-NO!"

Hibiki waited for her father to finish his meal patiently, staring at her phone in anticipation of a call.'It's past 9...I wonder what he's doing...'

"I'm surprised your boyfriend didn't tag along this time. Honestly, I can't say I'm not glad." Akira rubbed his bandaged cheek."He packs one hell of a punch."

"Sorry about that..."

"No, no. It's fine. I guess." Akira sighed, rubbing the rim of his cup."I guess I shouldn't have to worry about him not protecting you. If he punched me, your Dad, then I'm sure he won't hesitate to do the same to anyone who harms you."

"Right..." Hibiki winced. It was true. Hajime did explode that day. And if he did that to her dad, who is to say he wouldn't lose his composure like that again?

'I can't doubt him. He's my boyfriend.' Hibiki shook her head.'I have to have faith in him. He's just going through a lot, that's all...'

"Did you guys fight?"

"Huh?"

"You keep checking your phone." Akira pointed out."I take it you're waiting for him to call you."

"Well...It wasn't exactly a fight..."

"I understand. It happened with me and your mother all the time." Akira chuckled."But back then your grandmother would be the one to pick up the phone whenever I called your mom and give me an earful. Speaking of which, have you spoken to her about me?"

"Are you really serious about wanting to start over?" Hibiki asked, cutting to the heart of the matter."You mean what you say?"

"I do! If you could put in a good word for me then-

"Then you have to take the first step." Hibiki cut him off."You're the one who left us. You should be the one to try and make an effort to come back."

"But...I don't think I can face her." Akira leaned back on his seat."And more to the point, I have my pride as a man."

"Your...pride...?" Hibiki blinked, feeling as if her heart was broken again."Are you telling me your pride is more important...? I was...willing to give you another chance..."

"Hibiki-"

"I mustered all of my courage to come and face you!" Hibiki slammed the table."So you should be brave too!"

Akira said nothing, taken aback by his daughter's words.

"I guess...once a family comes apart, it can't go back to how it was." Hibiki lamented, lowering her gaze.

Suddenly, they heard the sounds of screams coming from outside. The sky was cracking open in the middle of town.

"That should do it." Dr. Ver removed his Nephilim arm from the console panel of the Chateau."It's in automatic mode. My left arm is awesome, isn't it?! All relics that come in contact with it obey my will!"

"And soon enough, you will get your reward." Carol folded her arms."Your own Alternative armor."

"I've been thinking." Dr. Ver rubbed his chin."I don't think I want to wear that armor again."

"Hmmm? How come?"

"No offense to the...prince. But I wouldn't want to wear something that's his." Dr. Ver explained with a big grin."A hero has to be original! And what's more original than my arm?! I don't need that armor!"

"That's fair, I suppose. I wouldn't want something from his either. But it's too late for that..." She muttered the last part, her mind trailing off to the being inside the tube with her and Bragard's DNA.."Anyway, all Autoscorers have recorded all the cursed melodies I needed. Bragard should be starting the eradication of all human life so then I can shatter the world to pieces."

"Huh?" Dr. Ver blinked, shifting her gaze to the short blonde."Shatter the world? Eradicate all life?"

"Shattering the world was the task left by my father." Carol trailed off."Bragard just wants to kill all humans for the fun of it. He doesn't care about the same things I do."

"And what would that be?"

"I want to dissect the world and analyze it all so I can learn the secrets of the universe!" Carol adopted a maniacal smile.

"Supreme knowledge. I can respect that." Dr. Ver nodded."And what do you mean to achieve once you have it, young miss?"

"Nothing."

"Say what?"

"My father instructed me to know the world." Carol elaborated."No more, no less. I'm not as ambitious as Bragard, unfortunately. He wants to recreate life by creating a new species. One that will surpass the limits of human beings."

"So he wants to play to be God and you...want nothing. You two are the weirdest couple of kids I've ever seen." Dr. Ver shook his head."A hero dreams without limit and they inspire others to dream too! Take a page from Bragard and look for something else instead of his paltry mission. Reach your full potential!"

"What the hell did you just say?" Carol's gaze narrowed."Paltry mission? Did you dare to insult my father's task?"

"Of course!" Dr. Ver grinned."You have no ambition and he has this childish dream of being a God. Hahaha! Hilarious! I can't believe he was the one pulling the string all along during the Frontier incident. And I played right into his hands."

"You're so short-sighted, my fair princess. It's hilarious."

Carol clenched her fists upon remembering Bragard's constant ridiculing words toward her. It was something that happened consistently, ever since they started working together. She often called him delusional in return. But it turns out he was perhaps onto something.

"You know...You're very lucky he's not here." Carol drawled."I am not as sadistic as he is. So I will make it painless.

"Ha! Is that a threat?!" Dr. Ver guffawed."With your small stature, you can't compare yourself to the world's one true hero!"

"Is that so?" Carol watched him walk past her, conjuring a magic circle.

"All I have to do is act in humanity's best interest, transcend the bounds of good and evil, take control of the Chateau de Tiffauges, and-"

Suddenly, Dr. Ver spat blood and felt a sharp pain through his chest."Oh...?"

"You were...saying something?" Carol pushed her harp deeper inside, prompting the doctor to spit more blood."I have had enough listening to one madman daily. I don't need another one. A side character like you could never become a hero. Much less a Messiah."

"M-Messiah...?"

"Oh? Were you not aware?" Carol adopted a dangerous smirk, blasting Dr. Ver against the railings with a tornado."Bragard happens to be a Messiah Candidate. And if he succeeds, he will become a Messiah. One that carries the hopes and dreams of the world. Something far beyond something so paltry as a mere hero."

"O-oh...That's...disappointing to hear..." Dr. Ver winced, watching as his blood poured down his body from his gaping wound.

"To be perfectly frank, I only kept you around as a favor to my prince." Carol spat."It's not like I particularly needed your help in activating the Chateau. I just didn't feel like waiting for Bragard to finish his little game. So...let's just say you were killed by an enemy. Isn't that right?!"

Another gust of wind hit the doctor, launching him off to the abyss below.

"Now...It's time." Carol looked up to the banners above her."Phara, Micha, Garie, Lulu, Leiur, Zeke. And Damian. We made it this far because of you. And now, it's up to us to finish what we started."

"This is bad!" Yosuke gritted his teeth, sitting in the back seat between Maria and Jades."Can't this go any faster?!"

"Calm down, Yosuke." Tsubasa frowned from the front seat.

"How can I be calm?! Those idiots!" He rubbed his face."Rushing in by themselves! First Liang and now Adachi!"

"Not to mention that thing in the sky..." Maria stared at the gigantic contraption in the sky from afar."If this is happening, then that means Damian must have failed. He's...dead..."

"Bragard is attacking in the Mirror World, and Carol in the real world." Jades felt anxious."We'll have to split up. Do we have any word on Takeru and the boys?"

"Nothing yet." Ogawa responded."They're alive. Their Decks are still functional. But they're not responding. Their comms haven't been destroyed."

"It's possible they're still in a battle against Zeke." Tsubasa guessed."He did get Divine powers, after all. He can't be an easy foe."

"If that's the case, I don't even want to think about how powerful Bragard is." Jades sighed, noticing something in the middle of the road."STOP THE CAR!"

Ogawa slammed on the brakes, nearly launching everyone on board out of the car.

In the middle of the road was Kamen Rider Alternative. Only smaller. Out of nowhere, another one appeared from behind them. They were known as the Alternites

"Kyahahaha!" They giggled in unison.

"What the fuck...?" Yosuke muttered, exiting the car."Two Alternatives...? But that's impossible..."

One of the Alternatives pointed at Tsubasa before jabbing their thumbs behind them.

"They...want us to go?" Tsubasa breathed, shifting her gaze to Maria."Are they only after the boys?"

"We're not leaving them alone," Maria said, leaving no room for argument.

"Don't be ridiculous." Yosuke shook his head."Tachibana is over there, right? So go. She'll need your help. After that, we'll go inside the Mirror World and help Adachi and Liang."

"No idea what these things are, but they're not human. Probably more dolls." Jades said, shrugging.

"Okay...Be careful." Tsubasa pleaded.

"Don't do anything reckless. And find the boys, Jades."

Both of their boyfriends gave them firm nods. Ogawa nodded, stepping on the accelerator as they drove away.

"Their attacks are deliberate." Yosuke surmised."They don't want us to go into the city in the Mirror World."

"I figured." Jades agreed."So we'll have to hurry up and beat these things to reach the others."

With that, both of them transformed into their respective Riders forms. And not wasting time, used their Survive cards.

"Gaaaagagagaga!" The Alternites cackled, rushing at the Riders.

"Uh..." Terunosuke put the hoodie of his yellow jacket on, hoping to avoid unnecessary attention."So..."

In front of him was an elderly couple. A man named Kosuke Kuwana, and his wife, Komori Kuwana. They sat in the opposite position of Terunosuke in the dinner, sitting on the corner of the store for more privacy.

"I can't believe you're alive..." Komori grabbed his hand, but he instinctively pulled back.

"Yeah, you do." Terunossuke scoffed."Fucking Jades visits you, doesn't he? I'm sure he must have told you."

"He did. All of them did, in fact. They're very kind and friendly. Very nice kids." Kosuke adjusted his glasses, holding a gentle smile."But we wanted to see our boy."

"Yeah, okay." Terunosuke snorted, leaning back on his chair and crossing his legs."Your son turned "criminal". What, you're hoping I turn myself in or something?"

"Please...We just...don't want you to hurt anyone else." His mother pleaded."We can't bear to see you like this, dear. You're... you're a murderer now. They're looking for you."

"A criminal in their eyes." He rolled his eyes."So that's why you came here? To talk some sense into me? Did Jades put you up to this? Doesn't he realize that I killed his fucking brother!"

"He still considers you his family." Kosuke sternly said."Despite the bad things you've done, he hasn't given up on you. And neither have we."

"Oh, that's great. Great." Terunosuke looked at his nails, not caring."You just don't get it, do you? Do you expect me to just turn myself in? You know they'll execute me, right? I killed hundreds of people."

"Maybe if you tell them what you know about-"

"And guess what." Terunosuke cut his mother off abruptly, hissing at her."I have no intentions of turning myself in. I have a goal to achieve. A promise to fulfill. You call me a criminal? I'm a savior now. Now I'm finally worth something. My efforts are being recognized and my hard work is paying off. Why would I ever want to give that up?"

"Serena-chan...was it?" Komori's gaze softened."That's the girl you love, isn't she? The one you met when you ran away from home and was abducted by FIS. Do you think she'll want to see you this way? See you killing in her name?"

"She'll be revived. Don't mention her fucking name." Terunosuke's eye twitched in anger."My angel will be brought back to life. She'll be able to live her life to the fullest. And we'll be so happy together. She was the only person who ever understood me. Who ever valued me. Who ever loved me."

"But we love you too-"

"Bullshit!" Terunosuke screamed, no longer caring if they heard him."You didn't give a single shit about me all those years! You kept me locked up and never allowed me to go out! Only study, study, and study! You never even spent time with me!"

"And we're sorry!" Kosuke cried out."We thought that by working multiple jobs, we could afford to give you a good life. We were saving for when you went to college and we wanted you to be more than we ever were. But clearly, that lack of love warped your mind. And for that, we're sorry."

"Sorry...? Hahahaha!" Terunosuke laughed, covering his eyes. Black lines formed around his body and a dark aura surrounded him.

"Teru...?" Komori reached for her husband's hand.

"I am more than you could ever comprehend!" Terunosuke revealed his eyes, his sclera turning pitch black and his pupils white."I was blessed by a God and given a true purpose! Nothing you ever gave me even comes close! Only by taking the freedom of others a person is truly free! I-"

An explosion outside of the restaurant cut off all conversation. Terunossuke and his parents stared out of the window, staring at a giant centipede-like creature slithering around a building, breaking inside of it followed by the screams of countless people.

"Fuck...I should have known he was onto us!" Terunosuke jumped out of his chair, reaching for his Deck.

"Teru!" His Mom screamed after him.

"If you don't want to die, I suggest you stay here." Terunosuke gave them a sardonic grin."You're about to see what your beloved son can do."

Meanwhile, in Shinjuku, Allistered entered the private penthouse of the man who had hired him for the day. One of the many corrupt politicians Japan had to offer. The Minisster of Health, Kazuga Mochida. An overweight, balding man who reeked of status and corruption. A typical Tuesday for the young assasin.

"Ah, Code Cypher. I still can't believe a kid like you is the legendary assassin." Kazuga lay on his bed in his underwear, smoking a cigar.

"I imagine you're basing my age on my slim build." Cypher said through his mask."Because my mask has a voice changer."

"And your skin. Such pristine and creamy skin." The man chuckled."Well, Kazanari is vouching for you. And I respect that man very much. So let's see what you got to offer."

"Who do you need dead?" Cypher went straight to the point.

"I like that. Straight to business." Kasuga sat up, rubbing his beard."There's this reporter who's trying to meddle in things that don't concern him. He forgets he's supposed to report only what he's supposed to report. He caught me having fun with one of these cute girls in the maid cafe downtown. So what if she's a little young? She's 18. She knows what she's doing, right? Anyway, he took some pictures that I want gone."

"So, he's trying to play the hero." Cypher surmised.

"More like he's trying to blackmail me into giving him a large sum of money. Not like he's doing it out of the kindness of his heart." Kasuga waved his hand."And I don't believe in bowing down to anybody. So I want you to kill him. And if you can kill his family too, I'll add a bonus.

"Not the children."

"What, an assassin with boundaries?" He asked in a derisive tone.

"They're extra." Cypher explained."They often look for me for revenge. I'd rather avoid them embarking on a fruitless journey if possible."

"Very well." Kasuga nodded."As long as you do a good job."

"By the way..." Allister looked over to a cage where a pink-haired girl wearing a torn dress was being kept. There was also another cage holding an American pitbull, staring back with wide eyes."I apologize if I'm overstepping. But what's up with the girl and the dog?"

"Oh, them?" He grinned as if he was proud of himself."The little girl is worth a small fortune. Pink hair and green eyes. She will sell for a good price. I'm sure she'd make plenty of people happy if you catch my drift. And the dog? Well, I bought him recently. I've been wanting to try out dog fights recently and got my own. Haven't named him though. He's kinda old."

"Hmm. I see." Cypher stared into the girl's blue orbs. She looked so frail and minuscule, and her eyes were empty and lost. It reminded him of how he looked back in the House of Grey. And how the Little Lady looked when he first met her.

"Hey! Come out!" He barked."Get over here, you little bitch! Show yourself and introduce yourself to our guest!"

Wordlessly, the girl opened her cage and marched over to the bedside. She had peachy skin, tainted by burnt marks and signs of abuse on her body. She grabbed the edge of her dress and did a small twirl, revealing her panties.

"And? What do you think? Pretty nice, huh?"

Cypher said nothing, watching as the girl's vacant eyes revealed no emotion. Despite that, she began lifting her dress, but he grabbed her hands, forcing her dress down.."I am not paid to see these types of shows. Whatever my client is into, I don't care."

"What? You never tried something like this?"

"Do not misunderstand. It's not the severity of the concept. I have seen more atrocities caused by humans than I can count. Human trafficking is by far the lowest on the list."

"I see. Well, more for me. You are dismissed." He licked his lips, grabbing the girl's hand and licking her cheek."Call me when you have good news. I will-"

Suddenly, the man received a kick to the face, sending him crashing against the wall and falling onto his bed."W-w-w-what?!"

"Sorry. My foot slipped." Cypher said in a not-so-convincing tone.

"Y-y-you!" Kasuga rubbed his cheek, tears in his eyes due to the pain."How dare you?! Do you realize who I am?! You won't get out of this building alive, you little rat!"

"Oh, I think I'll be just fine." Allister jabbed his thumb toward the nearest mirror. And to the man's horror, he saw a giant snake devouring a man's body. One of his bodyguards.

"W-w-why...? S-stay away!" Kasuga threw a pillow at him, but Allister just swatted it away."Why?!"

"Mmmm. Good question." He glanced down toward the girl who gave him a puzzled look."A few months ago, I wouldn't have batted an eye over something like this. But now it's different. Perhaps I have become more susceptible to emotions, especially after spending time with those kids and becoming one with Scissors. And let's just say my gut tells me to not let a slease bag like you get your way with an innocent child."

"You're an assassin!"

"I am." Allister shrugged."I do not hide that fact. I have killed. And I will continue to kill. But those who I don't want to kill...then they're good. As for you..."

"K-Kazanari will find out about this! If you kill me, he-"

"Kazanari-san dislikes you, you know?" Allister interrupted him, removing his mask."He only told me about your job opportunity because he wanted to let you know he can count on me. And well...I suppose a small terrorist attack will be what explains your... inexplicable death. Have your fill, Volcancer."

Volcancer jumped out of the mirror, rushing toward the man and grabbing his head with its pincers. He didn't have time to scream before his head was crushed, killing him instantly. The monster returned to the mirror, taking the body with it.

"Tch. Well, so much for that." Allister scratched his nape. He knelt in front of the girl, giving her a small smile."It's over. You can go back to your home now."

"Home...I...have no home..." She whispered, as if afraid of her voice."My parents...sold me...Gave me away...4 years ago..."

"And how old are you now?"

"12..."

Allister simply ruffled her hair. He removed his jacket and put it around her small frame."Well, can't stay here. So how about you come with me?"

"With...you...? Are you...making me your property, sir...?"

"No, not property. Sheez. You're one messed up kid." Allister folded his arms under his chest."Well, how about I adopt you then?"

"Adopt...me?" She asked, her eyes reflecting the tiniest hint of emotion. He frowned. Was he really like this before?

"Sure. I'm 19, turning 20 next month. I'm technically an adult." Allister offered."And I have a good place to live and make decent money. I think I can take care of a kid. My name is Allister Albedo, also known as Code Cypher. What's your name? Feel free to call me Allister, though."

"My name...I...forgot it." She wrapped her arms around herself."They simply referred to me...as girl."

"So, you forgot your name." Allister hummed in thought."I think that's okay. Mind if we pick a new name for you, then? Since it'll be the start of your new life?"

"A new...name?"

"How about Mona?" Allister suggested, a toothy smile gracing his features."Sounds fitting, don't you think?"

"Mona..." She repeated a few times as if testing the word."I...If that's what you want..."

"Hey, the point of it is if you like it." He patted her head."Let me know if you like it. Otherwise, we can change it. I know a guy who can forge your documents. So, Luna-chan? How about we get out of here?"

Mona's gaze fell over to the catch containing the pitbull, still impassive at what was going on.

"Oh? Want him to come too?" Allister grabbed her hand, guiding her over to the dog's cage."Sure. I always wanted a dog. I never had one."

"You...didn't?"

"Nope. My childhood was pretty...abnormal, I suppose." Allister said, opening the cage for the dog."I was forced to fight for a loaf of bread daily. My only chance to not die was to become an assassin. And well...I never experienced a normal life. Not until recently. I guess that's why I took a liking to you. Your eyes remind me of my own back when I was your age. And for some reason, deep inside my heart, I can't stand that. Because you'd be heading down the same path I did. And your hair color...It reminds me of an old friend I used to have."

Mona said nothing, opting to just listen to his rambling and wait for the old dog to come out. The pitbull came out of his cage, staring at the two humans.

"How are you doing, buddy?" Allister sat on the ground, petting the pitbull."Want to come along with us? I live with some crazy people, but it's never boring. We're going to change the world."

"Change the world...?" Mona shifted her gaze toward him.

"I'll show you a perfect world where no one will ever experience pain. Where we will all be happy." Allister scratched behind the dog's ear."He said you didn't have a name. How about...Strike? I heard your breed is a little aggressive, so that sounds like a perfect name."

The dog licked his face as if showing his gratitude for freeing him from his cage.

The whole building suddenly shook, alerting Allister who rushed to the balcony. And that's when he saw what looked to be a giant monkey-like monster rampaging around the city.

"What is that...? Is that...one of the Goliath Noise that Bragard mentioned?" Allister pondered."If so, why here in Shinjuku? Is he...targeting us?"

As if destiny itself cruelly answered him, the gorilla picked a giant piece of rubble at hurled at their building.

"Well, you seem to be healthy enough. Your jaw is healing nicely. Just a little swelling." The doctor set his tablet down, sitting in front of a frowning Chiaki with a bag of ice on her face."I'd say take it easy and don't do anything strenuous, but if you're Allister-kun's friend and one of those Kamen Riders, I think that's impossible."

Chiaki snorted, rolling her eyes."Done?"

"Yes. I will send your medication to your nearest pharmacy and you can pick it up in two days. But for now, keep taking these painkillers I gave you, and try not to talk too much. Want to donate some blood? I barely get any AB+ blood type patients."

The lilac-haired girl ignored him, hurrying out of the room and entering the hospital halls.

'Fucking bitch...I'll make her pay for what she did to me.' Chiaki growled.'And Miku...I just keep adding more worthless bitches to my shit list. I haven't killed anything in a while. I'm craving for blood right now~.'

She passed through a room where she noticed a girl and her grandfather inside. The old man was lying on the bed, talking with her granddaughter, who looked distressed.

"Grandpa! Can you buy me tickets for this concert I want to go to?!"

"Anything for my Chika-chan."

"Silly Grandpa! My name is Chiaki!"

Chiaki frowned, shaking her head. She should have known that those were the early signs of her grandfather's Alzheimers. But she thought it was just a nickname he had come up with for her. She was just a child, after all. How could she have recognized the early stages of Alzheimer's?

Soon enough, he was released from his duties as a surgeon, and she was left to take care of him. Every day got worse and worse. Until finally...

"Grandpa, I'm back." Chiaki walked through the door of her house, carrying groceries in her hands."I bought that chicken you liked and-"

"W-who are you?!" The old man screamed, tripping over himself in fear."W-why are you in my house?!"

"Grandpa, it's me. Calm down." Chiaki sighed. She had gotten used to him forgetting her name and who she was sometimes. But for some reason, this time seemed different. He looked... genuinely terrified."Your granddaughter."

"I have no granddaughter!" He screamed, grabbing a nearby kitchen knife and wielding it."Stay away!"

"Grandpa! Calm down! It's me!" Chiaki dropped her bags, slowly approaching him.

She had taken care of her grandfather for two exhausting years. It was extremely hard for her, to say the least. She had to juggle school while also caring for him. But the worst part was when he didn't remember her or their memories together. She had come to love him as a grandfather, even though they weren't related by blood. But he had never threatened her with a weapon before.

Before she knew it, he lunged at her and stabbed her side with a knife. She screamed in pain, pushing him off her with a kick. The old man landed on his head, almost blacking out from the blow. She cried in pain, dropping to one knee and staring in horror at the knife on her side.

"Why...? Why...? Did you forget me...?" She gasped in shock, yelling in pain as she took the knife out from the body."You forgot who I was...?'

Was that it? Was she destined to be forgotten? Other than her grandfather, who did she have? What would she do? If she were to bleed out here, they would just take his grandfather, who forgot about her, and her name would disappear. There will be no trace of her existence.

'No...I don't want to be forgotten! No!' She began approaching the trembling back, her eyes dilated as a twisted smile appeared on her face."And I don't want you to be forgotten either. I don't want the memory of your kindness to be replaced and disappear. So...I have to kill you now to preserve that memory. You will live on in my mind. Eternity...is the only thing that humans can wish for. The only thing we must yearn for."

"S-stay away! You're a monster! A demon!"

"Your last memory...will be of this demon!" She lunged at him, slashing his neck open with her knife.

Chiaki clicked her tongue. Out of all of her memories, she had hoped to have forgotten about that one already. It wasn't a pleasant one, to say the least. She was sitting down on the benches outside of the hospital, lost in her thoughts. She noticed the same grandfather and granddaughter exiting the premises. Apparently, he had gotten discharged. She gritted her teeth. She was about to pull out her knife and cut them open. The urge to kill yelled at her to murder someone. She couldn't stand their sight.

Before she could act on her impulses, a distant explosion grabbed their attention. A giant butterfly monster resembling a Noise was hovering above the streets, heading for the hospital.

'You're shitting me!' Chiaki sneered, rushing to the scene. She stared at the grandfather with a murderous gaze."Get back! Now!"

The young girl pulled her grandfather inside the hospital. She couldn't let them be killed by whatever that thing was. She was going to tear through the whole hospital later, after all. She took out her pendant but then stopped.

'I don't feel like singing. And my mouth still hurts when I move it. Fine. Guess I have no choice but to use my Deck.'

Chiaki pulled out her Deck, tossing the back of ice to the ground as she stared at the creature with a sadistic grin.'Time for a blood bath! I've been dying for this!'

Hazuki stared down at the city from their penthouse, frowning at the sight of a monstrous werewolf-like creature standing on two feet, tearing through the streets of Yokohama with its enlarged claws.

"A Goliath Noise. If I'm not mistaken, it's an amalgam of thousands of Alca Noise and Mirror Monsters, merged into one to make a stronger one." Loki informed him."That's Bragard's little project. And based on this feeling, they're embedded with Divine Power from me."

"A coordinated attack." Hazuki gritted his teeth."He was planning to betray us from the start."

"He's planning to end things today." Loki guessed."But we can't back down. We need to retrieve the Gjallarhorn if we want to activate Ragnarok. For a new world with no evil."

"Right..." Hazuki narrowed his gaze at his reflection in the window."For a new world..."

"CHAO! WAKE UP CHAO!" Huan screamed, punching the bars and hurting his knuckles."CHAO! BRAGARD PLEASE! HAVE MERCY!"

"Mercy?" Bragard hummed in faux ignorance."I wonder what that word means?"

"You're a monster! A monster!" Kyoko growled."You leave her alone!"

"And why would I do that?" Alternative marched toward the fallen warrior, who could only watch helplessly at her assailant."I calculated my attack to pierce through her tendons. She won't be able to move anymore. Might as well put her out of her misery."

"Why...why? How could you-"

"Because Hazama Liang betrayed me and delayed my plans." He answered in a matter-of-fact tone."His family will pay the price. Worry not. I am not without compassion. I will kill you all swiftly. As for her and the Boy Wonder...I can't say the same. Heheheh. So, my beloved Chao, any last words?"

"Just get it over with..." She whispered in a defeated tone."I...don't deserve to live. I failed again..."

"Hah! Talk about depressing!" Alternative grinned under his helmet, raising his sword into the air."One disgusting human down. And soon, the others will fall. Good night."

"Haji...HAJIME!" Setsuna screeched as loud as she could."WHERE ARE YOU?! CHAO-NEE-SAN IS GOING TO GET KILLED! PLEASE! PLEASE HELP HER!"

"LINGYUN! PLEASE! PLEASE SAVE MY SISTER!" Wei joined in on the crying, both children hoping their words would miraculously reach Hajime.

"Hajime..." Kyoko closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face."My son..."

"Enough with the crying, you putrid vermin! She dies!"

Suddenly, Bragard noticed a dragon made of fire coming his way. He blocked with his sword, but the attack caught him off guard and sent him skidding several meters away.

Kamen Rider Ryuki landed on the street, his expression hidden by the safety of his helmet. But he radiated confidence, reassurance, and perhaps the most important thing, hope.

"H-Haji!" Setsuna beamed upon seeing her brother.

"Nephew..." Huan sighed at the sight of his nephew.

"Well, damn. Look at you. You look a little different from the last time I saw you." Hajime observed Alternative's size."Guess you have a Napoleon complex after all."

"So, the main course has arrived. About time too." Alternative splayed his arms."I thought I was done here."

Ryuki scoffed, making his way over to Chao-Xing while giving his family a thumbs up."Don't worry! I'll get you out of there soon!"

"Hajime! He's extremely powerful!" Setsuna warned him.

"Yeah...I figured." He frowned at the state of his cousin. He knelt beside her as she slowly turned to face him."Chao..."

"You imbecile..." She spat through bloody teeth."Why the hell didn't you...free them?! You had the perfect chance...! I'm going to...You should have just let me die and freed them! Why give away your position?!"

He took a look at her wounds. She had two holes near her feet and arms. He had his Drawclaw equipped, so he formed a ball of fire."I can...cauterize your wounds...I just have to burn them, right?"

"Hah...Do you even know how to do that?" She chuckled dryly."You don't look the type..."

"I'd rather try than let you bleed out..." Hajime scowled."But...I'm not really sure how to do it. But if it saves you..."

"It's a waste of effort..." Her eyes suddenly shot wide open upon seeing Bragard appear behind Ryuki."LINGYUN! BEH-"

But there was no time. Bragard swung his blade horizontally, aiming to decapitate Hajime. However, to everyone's shock, he ducked at the last second, delivering a powerful kick to Alternative's face and sending him flying several yards away.

He seemed genuinely surprised, doing a quick spin and landing safely on the ground. He caressed his cheek, still bewildered at what just happened.

"Did...did he just...?" Setsuna blinked.

"He hit him..." Kyoko muttered."He got him...He's different somehow. I haven't seen him in a few weeks but...I can feel he's completely different now."

"It wasn't just that he kicked him, he dodged his attack with finesse and precision." Huan remarked."Can he...sense Chi...? But that makes no sense. Even if he did, Chao couldn't sense it earlier..."

Chao, still in shock, watched as her cousin began burning her wounds. She ignored the pain since she was already in too much to even care."Why...? I drugged you...You were asleep because of me...Why aren't you yelling at me...? Why...?"

"Yell at you?" Haajime adopted a soft smile under his helmet."Why would I do that? You did it to protect me. To keep me safe. You came rushing, ignoring the danger, to save our family. That's...Liang pride, isn't it?"

"Lingyun..."

"You told me to discover what Liang pride meant. And I think I figured it out." Hajime continued, moving on to her feet."The Liangs that died that day...They all protected each other. Their families, even if it cost them their lives. So did your mom, right? And just like how you protected me. I believe Liang pride means putting your life on the line for the sake of those you love. It's not about strength or status. We're all equal. But we all share that desire to protect. That's..what you taught me. So, how did I do? Was I close?"

"Pft..." She stifled a chuckle."Dumbass...You know I said that just to look cool, right...? But...I'm happy. So happy I could teach you something..."

"I had a good teacher." He winked at her, despite knowing she couldn't tell.

"You came alone...? You should have brought backup, moron..."

"Well, you're also a bad influence, I suppose." He quipped, much to her chagrin. Once he finished cauterizing her wounds, he put his Dragclaw away, grabbing her hand."You asked why earlier. I don't want you to die."

"Look at me...I'm barely clinging to consciousness and my tendons are severed." She hissed in pain."You should have just let me die and-"

"Don't give up on living!" Hajime squeezed her hand, silently her."There are so many things we haven't done as a family. I'm sure Elfnein-chan and Tobias-kun can fix you up. Just hang in there. The others will be sad if you die..."

"The...others...?"

"They're waiting for us." Hajime rubbed her hand gently."So let's get through this together. Let's go home together, Chao...Everyone is waiting for us. For you."

"Lingyun..." She began to tear up upon thinking of her new friends."I never...had friends like these...I'm so lucky to have met all of you...Please...please...I want to live...I want to see the others again."

"That's all I needed to hear. I called Yanagi-san and he said they'll be hear as soon as they can since they were further from Tokyo." Hajime nodded solemnly."I swear I will. We will make it and end this nightmare once and for all."

"He defeated Damian...He's extremely powerful. He can control gravity with his hands. Left to repel and right to attract. As well as creating that dark matter of his..."

"Got it." Ryuki nodded, standing up.

"Beat him...You're the only one of us who can, Lingyun. Please! For our family!"

Ryuki gave her a thumbs up."You bet". Turning to face Bragard, he addressed him."I'm surprised you didn't try to backstab me again."

"I couldn't help but let you have that emotional moment. You've earned it after surprising me with that kick." He smiled deviously."Plus it's the last one you'll ever get, Boy Wonder. You're a fool. You shouldn't have come. You could have just cowered before me."

"Yeah, maybe." Hajime clenched his fists."But I'll be damned if I let you have your way. I'm fighting for a greater reason after all."

"Oh?"

"For all the Liangs you massacred...For all the people whose lives you've shamelessly ruined and ended." Ryuki began, raising his fist at Bragard's level."For all the people you've masscared over the years as well as the innocents who continue to suffer because of you. Today, I'm not fighting you as only Hajime Adachi. I'm fighting you as Lingyun Liang! Listen to me and listen to me well! I will defeat you!"

"What utter nonsense. Such a presumptuous thing to say. You Liangs always full of yourselves." Alternative chuckled, cracking his left wrist."Well, I would love to see you try, Boy Wonder. Let's see if your father was right about you. Only one of us can be the true Messiah. I have to warn you, though. By the end of this, you will be begging me to kill you. I promise you that. You should know that throughout Heaven and Earth, I alone am the honored one."

"We'll see about that." Ryuki quickly drew a card, activating his sword vent as he dashed toward Bragard.

Sword Vent: Dragsaber

Alternative chuckled, dragging his Slashdagger against the concrete. Both fighters rapidly approached each other, meeting in the middle, and clashed their blades. The final battle had begun.

Finally, we start the final battle. Or battles. There will be a lot of fights going on and in this chapter, we saw the beginning of some of them. Yes, there will be more. Not only from Carol and Bragard but also the Goliath Noise and Bragard's creations to fend off the Riders. I will be switching fight scenes here and there, since if I dedicate a single chapter to a fight it will kind of disrupt the flow of things. Though the Divine Disasters of Valhalla will get their own chapter or their own section since they're their own thing at the moment. But our main focus is Carol and Bragard, which we'll see in the next episode. I can't believe we made it this far. I've been aching to reach this point in the story and we're finally here! Thank you, everyone. For your support. It's because of you that I continue to write this story as you give me the motivation to write. So for that, thank you.